In a bold push against Ghana’s worsening housing crisis, President John Dramani Mahama is urging tenants to speak up — and take action — against landlords demanding illegal rent advances.

Speaking at a high-level meeting with Organised Labour at Jubilee House in Accra on Tuesday, Mahama didn’t mince words: the system isn’t working, and ordinary Ghanaians are paying the price.

“Housing is a major problem,” he said, pointing out that rent costs are swallowing up household incomes and making decent accommodation increasingly out of reach

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A System Under Pressure
At the heart of the issue is Ghana’s housing deficit — a gap Mahama says is fueling a culture of exploitation. With demand far outstripping supply, some landlords are taking advantage by demanding up to two years’ rent upfront — despite laws capping advance payments at six months.

And while legal channels exist, few are using them.
“We have the rent court,” Mahama noted, “but both tenants and landlords are often unwilling to go there.”
A Call to Act

Mahama’s message to tenants is clear: stop staying silent.
Instead of accepting unlawful demands, he’s encouraging renters to report offending landlords to the rent court — promising accountability for those who break the rules.
“You can go and report him… and we will hold that landlord accountable,” he said.

Bigger Than Just Rent
Beyond enforcement, Mahama is calling for a broader rethink of Ghana’s housing strategy. He’s proposing a national dialogue that brings together government, private developers, and labour groups to craft a long-term solution — including social housing and more accessible mortgage options.

The goal? Affordable, fair housing that works for everyone — not just those who can afford steep upfront costs.

The Bottom Line
For many Ghanaians, this isn’t just policy — it’s personal. With rent demands climbing and wages struggling to keep up, the pressure is real.
Mahama’s stance signals a shift: from quiet frustration to active resistance.
Now, the question is whether tenants will take that next step — and whether enforcement will finally match the rhetoric.

Source:TheDotNews